Jo Ann Scott Evans
The Genealogy Club had a busy summer with interesting and helpful programs designed or chosen by our resident professional genealogist Emily Richardson.
On Sept. 6, the evening program gave background on the significance and history of Ellis Island, followed by instruction about where to find online documentation about ancestors who arrived there.
As a follow-up to the Ellis Island program, there was an afternoon Help Session on Monday, Sept. 12. Experienced members of the club were available for friendly, individual help and guidance. Both club members and visitors are eligible to come to the Help Sessions.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the CATC, Room 104, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., speaker Patti Gillespie will join us for “Brick Wall Busting Strategies.” Patti promises a presentation that will help break down that frustrating brick wall all genealogists reach at some point. Patti will provide real examples of brick walls she’s broken down using vital, military, census, prison, and land records; newspapers, passenger manifests, and divorce decrees; and will include a complicated story about a woman she tracked whose name changed three times in public records. We’ve enjoyed Patti’s engaging presentations many times and look forward to her return.
The club’s first speaker in October will be Nancy Gilbride Casey from the Denton County Genealogical Society speaking about “Loggin’ and Writin’—Two Tools for Your Genealogy Toolbox.” Using a research log and writing as you research can form the basis for a terrific end product—a report! Pull information from a research log, write as you go, and put your thoughts and conclusions to paper—for yourself or to share with others. Learn about free resources like Airtable, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more to keep track of your research. Nancy will illustrate the process with her project to fully identify Jane O’Malley Ryan and her descendants. Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 4, in the CATC, Room 104, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to hear the interesting information Nancy has to offer.
The Genealogy Club welcomes all Robson Ranch residents. Dues are $20 per year per person or $30 per year for a couple. If you want further information on these programs or on the Robson Genealogy Club, feel free to contact the club board at [email protected].